Irish Terrier Characteristics: The spirited and watchful Irish Terrier is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1885). The Irish Terrier, is characterized by its athletic, wiry, reddish appearance with an intense, lively expression. Other characteristics include small, dark brown eyes; small, V-shaped ears; a rough, high set tail and a fluent, agile gait. The temperament of the Irish Terrier can be described as Protective, Lively, Dominant. The coat type of the Irish Terrier is described as thick, rough, wiry coat in red, wheaten colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Irish Terrier demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Racy Runner". The origin of the Irish Terrier dog breed was in Ireland where it was developed in the 1700's. Fast Facts about the Irish Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Irish Terrier breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1885) *** Nick name: "Racy Runner" *** Origin: Ireland *** Male Height: 18 inches (43 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 25 - 27 pounds (11 - 12 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: thick, rough, wiry coat *** Coat Colors: red, wheaten colors *** Litter Size: 4-6 puppies *** Health Problems: Urolithiasis (Urinary Stones in the Kidney or Bladder) *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Irish Terrier Breed Group and Dog Type - Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1885): The Irish Terrier is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1885). Other names for the Irish Terrier: The Irish Terrier is known by the nickname of the "Racy Runner". Other names for this breed of dog include the Irish Red Terrier and Country Cork Terrier. Its Irish Gaelic name is "Brocaire rua" meaning 'red terrier' due to its predominantly red coat colors. Origin of the name: The dog is named after the country in which it was originally bred - County Cork in Ireland. The origin of the word 'terrier' is derived from the Latin word 'terra' meaning "earth" as so many of the terrier breeds were originally bred and trained as hunting dogs to pursue their prey, such as small game including rats, moles, foxes, squirrels and badgers and birds. Irish Terrier History and Origin: The country of origin of the Irish Terrier breed was in Ireland during the 1700's, although its ancestors are believed to date back to the Roman Empire. The Irish Terrier also developed the hunting skills as bird setters and retrievers. As a retriever the dog was trained to pick up, or retrieve, prey and return the prey to the Hunter. As a setter the dog was also trained to crouch, or set, in front of game preventing the escape of the quarry. The Irish Terrier was an 'all-rounder' and an essential aid to the farmers and hunters if Ireland. The Irish Terrier was quoted as being a "poor man's sentinel, the farmer's friend and the gentleman's favourite". The Irish Terrier achieved great popularity in the late 1800's and the breed was exported to the United States. The Irish Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. During the early 1900's its popularity surged when it became known that King Edward VII (1841 - 1910) owned an Irish Terrier called "Jack" who he referred to as "the best dog I ever had". Many present day dog lovers and owners of the Irish Terrier have echoed his words. Irish Terrier Modern History: The modern history of the Irish Terrier moved on and the breed is now used as a delightful family pet can be trusted with children. A Irish Terrier called Prince, accompanied his master, Private James Brown, from England to the trenches in France. An Irish terrier features on the 'Animals in War' Memorial in Park Lane, London, a powerful and moving tribute to all the animals that served and died in the wars of the 20th century. The Animals in War Memorial was established in November 2004, the 90th anniversary of the start of WW1. Irish Terrier Height: This famous Irish breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 18 inches (43 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Irish Terrier Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 25 - 27 pounds (11 - 12 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Irish Terrier Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as thick, rough, wiry coat. The term "Wire" refers to coarse hair. Irish Terrier Coat Colors: The colors of this Irish dog breed include Wheaten, Red and Red Wheaten colors. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. The term 'Wheaten' refers to the color of wheat, especially a pale yellow-brown color. Irish Terrier Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Irish Terrier is not extensive and therefore categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy coat, reducing the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Irish Terrier is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears. Irish Terrier Litter Size: The litter size of this Irish dog breed ranges from 4-6 puppies. Irish Terrier puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Irish Terrier puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Irish Terrier Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Spirited, Protective, Lively, Dominant and Watchful. Irish Terrier Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this Irish breed of dog is moderate. The Irish Terrier requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a fluent, agile, strident gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Irish Terrier Diet: A fully grown Irish Terrier should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Irish Terrier Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Irish Terrier breed include Urolithiasis (Urinary Stones in the Kidney or Bladder) . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Irish Terrier dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Irish Terrier Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Irish Terrier breed is 12-15 years. Irish Terrier Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Irish Terrier breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Irish Terrier names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male Irish dog names are: Conaire *** Darry *** Blian *** Tyrell *** Finn *** Shann *** Lorcan *** Donal *** Egon *** Riley *** Colm. Irish Terrier Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Irish names are Ailin *** Briana *** Tegan *** Sorcha *** Tawny *** Dana *** Zaira *** Kerra *** Scota *** Maud. Fast Facts about the Irish Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Irish Terrier breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1885) *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Ireland *** History / Date: 1700's *** Male Irish Terrier Height: 18 inches (43 cm) *** Male Irish Terrier Weight: 25 - 27 pounds (11 - 12 kg) *** Coat Type: thick, rough, wiry coat *** Litter Size: 4-6 puppies *** Irish Terrier Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Irish Terrier Lifespan: 12-15 years *** | 